Today we’d like to introduce you to Amy Gantt.
Hi Amy, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
Why we started Lula Bell:
Lula Bell, whimsical art and hand-glittered cards.
I started the Lula Bell greeting card company out of my attic in 2006. Prior to that, I had been a family therapist for several years working with clients that were dealing with traumatic situations. Because I am a painter, hanging in my office was my artwork. Several of my clients commented on the art and said it made them feel good and it made them smile. Once I had my own children, I wanted to stay home to raise them. I told my husband that I was going to start a greeting card company once my youngest turned 5…and I did.
I created the Lula Bell greeting card company because I saw first-hand with my clients the impact that art has on people. I believed that through art I could make people smile and create a positive impact one card at a time. Each card we make can inspire positive connections that will be a sparkle in your heart and a smile for your soul.
Lula Bell is now a greeting card company selling cards to gift shops nationally. Our home base is in Oakwood. We have the Lula Bell gift shop where we feature the Lula Bell cards as well as items that are locally made or from women-owned businesses. The shop is an escape into a whimsical world of cards and gifts that are a smile for your soul.
How Our Cards are Made
It all starts in the artist studio, where Amy designs, draws, and paints her original artwork.
Once completed, her art is made into a card design and paired with heartfelt words for Note Cards, Greeting Cards, and Prints.
For an extra special touch, each card is hand glittered by our great team of Glitter Gals.
Finally, it’s ready for you to send to that special someone in your life!
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road was definitely not smooth. I was an artist not a businessperson. I learned through trial and error, I read lots of books and watched YouTube videos about starting a business. I also surrounded myself with smart and trustworthy businesspeople. I always say, “It’s not what you know; it’s knowing how to find the answers.”
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I create whimsical art with watercolor paints and watercolor pencils. My style has a positive feel-good energy. I create the images to frame for your home and greeting cards for you to send in the mail. Lula Bell cards are available in my shop in Oakwood, online at LulaBellShop.com, and in gift shops throughout the USA.
I am currently illustrating children’s books. I work with different authors and bring their story to life.
I am most proud still doing what I love to do and still making a positive impact in people’s lives. Also, my daughter is now in the business with me. I am so proud of her and how we grew the business.
What sets me apart from others is that I persevered and was able to make a business out of my passion. I didn’t just start a business to sell cute cards, I started it once I saw how it had a positive impact in the lives of others. Art is therapy.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I love the Dayton area. The people here are great.
I love that Dayton has multiple ways to support entrepreneurs. Starting my company, I utilized start-up business services provided by University of Dayton, Sinclair, and Wright State University. They all offer services to help an entrepreneur get started. I love seeing new businesses and hearing the story of their journey.
What I like least about Dayton? The weather in January thru March.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lulabellshop.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lulabellart/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LulaBellart
